Whether United will prove to be better than City over the course of the season remains to be seen. But for now, Sir Alex is happy to have registered an important win in the title race after moving six points clear of the Reds' main rivals.

"When you count the points up in May, I hope it [this win] is significant. Derby games like today are significant if you win them, there's no question about that. I hope it's really significant come the end of the season."